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Central Okanagan  

Charges dropped, Shadow goes home

Here is a quick video of  Shadow being set free.

Shadow is going home.

An agreement between her owner, Peter Madsen, and the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) was finalized Friday, paving the way for Shadow's return to her family later that afternoon.

In announcing the agreement, the RDCO says the two sides reached agreement on a Consent Order which outlines what they describe as a number of mutually acceptable conditions.

As part of that order, the dog owners have agreed to a program of rehabilitation and reintegration training for the two year old dog to help her in transitioning back to her owners’ home.

“The agreement marks a positive step for both parties in resolving what has been a very difficult case.  It’s been an extremely emotional experience for everyone involved: the victim, the dog owners, Regional District Dog Control staff and other professionals in the community,” says Regional Board Chair Robert Hobson.

The Lake Country Alaskan Malamute had been on 'death row' in the RDCO's dog pound for the past 15 months awaiting a court date on allegations she attacked and bit a Lake Country woman March 26, 2011.

As part of the agreement reached between the parties, Madsen says the RDCO agreed to drop all charges against Shadow while Madsen says he has agreed not to pursue civil charges against the district.

"It's been hell for our family. We just wanted it to end," says Madsen, whose attempts to get Shadow released from the pound cost him and his family ten's of thousands of dollars.

“We are grateful for the cooperation of the Regional District in working to resolve this matter and getting Shadow back with us. We’re very happy that she is home and will begin professional training to help with her adjustment.”

Madsen adds the Regional District has agreed to help with his legal costs as well as the cost of rehabilitation in case the experience at the pound has caused lasting affects on the dog.

For their part, the family agreed to build adequate fencing around the family home. Madsen says those renovations passed RDCO inspection Friday, paving the way for completion of the deal.

Madsen also offered his thanks Paul Macklim at the Regional District and to members of the media who helped champion Shadow's cause.

He adds he will continue to fight for the need for better conditions and better facilities at the RDCO's dog pound.

He also hopes the district will change its policy and allow dogs such as Shadow to go home under strict conditions while awaiting court disposition of cases like this.

Madsen says it's done that way in other jurisdictions and should be done here as well.

It’s anticipated the final consent order between the parties will be presented for Provincial Court approval early next week. 

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